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ARGUMENT.
This grade, as chronologically arranged, originated with Kins;
Solomon, immediately after the assassination of Hiram the
builder, and at the time the Temple was but partially constructed.
The King of Israel selected seven of the most worthy and ex-
pert brethren, Master Masons, and appointed them special guar-
dians of the Sanctum Sanctorum, and of the sacred furniture of
that most Holy Place. They were called Secret Masters, and as
in due time they were advanced to higher grades, and thus va-
cancies were created, others were selected to till their places.
But one guard was on duty at a time, yet seven were selected,
and this is termed the mysterious number of this degree, it having
many allusions, to the seven cardinal virtues ; to happiness, to
which our brethren thought there were seven degrees; to the
seven stages of life ; to the seven laws or principles of Noah,
given for the government of his posterity ;
and to the seven days
of the week,—the last having been set apart for the great teach-
ing of tiiis degree, Secrecy and Silence. This degree forma a
beautiful introduction to the Ineffable series.